Portfolio Insights:“Furman University (the “University”), founded in 1826, is a private, coeducational, not-for-profit institution of higher education located in Greenville, South Carolina. The University’s primary emphasis is on providing a liberal arts education at the undergraduate level. The University also offers graduate and continuing education programs. The President and Board of Trustees, a self-perpetuating governing board with thirty-six members drawn from private, public and community interests, have oversight responsibility for all of the University’s financial affairs.

Investments, funds held in trust and beneficial interests in trusts are recorded at fair value and primarily include investments in securities and investment funds. Investments in securities include equity securities, fixed income instruments, registered mutual funds and exchange traded funds.” (Source)

1) Founded in 1826, Furman University is the oldest, largest and most selective private institution in South Carolina. Today Furman offers majors and programs in 42 subjects and is one of the select group of colleges that qualify for a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s most prestigious academic honorary society. Undergraduates come from 46 states and 31 countries to study at Furman University. Furman recognizes its responsibility both in and out of the classroom to encourage students and faculty to confront the problems of contemporary society and to exercise moral judgment in the use of knowledge. To this end, Furman fosters a sense of social justice and encourages civic responsibility in creating a fair and equitable order. (Source)

2) Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, received $1 million through the Duke Endowment, the Greenville News reported. The grant went to support the work of the Riley Institute, the public policy organization devoted to improving the social and economic conditions of the state.

The Duke Endowment, a private foundation established by philanthropist James B. Duke to support the people of North and South Carolina, rewarded the Riley Institute for its focus on “education, diversity and critical issues impacting the state,” Duke Endowment trustee Wilhelmina Reuben-Cooke told The Greenville News. The fund also aims to strengthen the public policy programs that benefit Furman students, faculty and residents across the state in the areas of public education, economic development, leadership, diversity and other issues. (Source)

3) Furman University has raised $406 million to fund a number of major initiatives as it brings the “Because Furman Matters” capital fundraising campaign to a successful close. In all, 27,250 alumni, parents, faculty and staff and friends made a gift during the campaign, which ended December 31. (Source)

4) Kris Kapoor, Chief Investment Officer, Furman University Over the past 18 months, the popular business media has focused on debt issues facing governments in the United States and Europe. But there is more to the economic equation than government debt, and other sectors of the bond market can offer clues about the health of the capital markets. Kapoor, who manages Furman’s endowment, will discuss current trends in debt from the perspective of an institutional investor. (Source)

5) CCES and Furman University have common interests. Both private schools are funded almost entirely through tuition, fees, and philanthropy. Both schools are dedicated to challenging academic offerings, strong athletics and arts programs, and the development of the whole person. Both schools are committed as well to promoting high character and cohesive communities while inspiring students to serve the greater good. CCES and Furman University hire faculty who are dedicated to going extra miles with students and have high competence in their disciplines. (Source)

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